The document outlines the essential elements of writing a conclusion for a thesis, discussing the psychological challenges and common pitfalls that can hinder the process. It emphasizes the importance of clearly stating your academic contribution, summarizing research findings, and making motivational statements about future applications. The guideline includes a structured approach to crafting a conclusion, highlighting the balance necessary to avoid excessive length or vagueness.

1. Writing a Conclusion
to Your Thesis
Viv Grigg
By Viv Grigg

2. Item 5
Functions of a COnclusion
“1 Must” and “3 Ideals”
•Overview
Conclusion-a-phobia
The “5 Avoids”
Sample
Item 1
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4

3. • Non-academic causes.
• Psychologically, you have finished your thesis, so it is hard to
write another chapter.
• You are exhausted after two years work
• You are bored with the topic because the interesting
discoveries have been made
• BUT
• It is not technically difficult
• It is a short chapter.
• Often “Feel” conclusos are hard to write.
•Conclusion-a-phobia
Its not complicated.Its short.
Its motivational
writing.

4. FOR GRADING/EXAMINATION
• Its the LAST piece the
examiner reads.
• They may have read it
over weeks
• Bits and pieces
• This piece integrates it
all in a few minutes
• A good conclusion wil
provide you with the energy
to publish your thesis when
you cme back to recap your
findings…after your post-
thesis rest
FOR LONGER TERM CAREER
•Importance
A second line of text could go here

5. • Claiming findings that
you have not proven
• Introducing new data
• Hiding weaknesses or
limitations in your thesis.
(Use a self critique, but
don’t go overboard)
• Avoid too long
(repetitive) or too short
(nothing to say)
•The Five Avoids

6. • One paragraph restating
what you researched and
your original contribution
• Then break into sections
• One section on what you
researche and how you did it
• One section on main findings
• One section on possble areas
of future research
• Motivational pitch about
applicational use of your
findings
• Final summary paragraph –
motivational and integrative.
•Sample Conclusion Structure

7. • Must
• Make a clear and concise
statement of your contribution to
knowledge
• Aspire to
• Show links between key ideas
across the chapters
• Show your commitment and
aspiration to academic research
• Leave a positive impression with
the examiners
•The “1 Must” and “3 Ideals”